Practical Insight into Building Confidence

Have you ever felt as if you really know the answer to something and you want to answer it in class, but some thoughts hold you back.

What if my answer is wrong?

What if I stutter?

What if I make a mistake?

What if somebody laughs?

What will everybody think of me?

If you have been going through this, then don’t worry, it's pretty normal and common to feel anxiety speaking in front of large groups of people. But, let's say the problem is showing up in your day-to-day classes, your workplace, your family. That is significantly more serious and something you need to address. Being able to communicate freely and firmly is essential in making sure that your opinions, feelings, and presence is heard. Otherwise, you will definitely feel left out, alone, and alienated. 

I can say with certainty, staying quiet leaves this guilt inside us. We could do better, we could flourish, but low confidence holds us back.

I will share some tips with you guys to deal with this.

1. Forgetting Past Experiences:

If a previous attempt at being vocal has left you embarrassed, don’t let that hold you back from trying again. Everyone is there to learn and in the process of learning, it is very natural to do some trial and error. No healthy teacher or classroom environment would or should ever make you feel embarrassed at giving a shot at a question. If a classmate laughs at you, remind yourself that you do not define yourself or your actions on the opinions of other people. If something feels right to your intellect and to your heart then go forward and ignore all those other npcs. 

2. Be clear in your mind:

Be clear in your mind about what point you are going to address before raising your hand. You don't need to practice whole conversations in your head beforehand, just a clear gist of the main point you would like to answer or question.

Make sure your focus is absolutely on the question at hand, don’t let your mind wander to your classmates or anything else. Absolute focus is necessary.

3. Commanding and Confident Tone:

When you speak, don’t sound confused and shy. Speak in a tone that makes it obvious that you're a secure individual and that you have no anxiety whatsoever. Make your tone a bit commanding (without disrespect) to remind everyone in the class that it is your right to ask something or to speak where appropriate.

4. Patience:

Bringing a sudden change in your personality or habits is difficult. It takes time, patience, determination, and a clear goal in mind. Learning all this while juggling societal pressures can be very difficult, but not impossible. It can be done if one keeps trying hard. You will stutter and make a few mistakes, but DO NOT let that ever stop you from trying again and again. You will eventually be confident enough to speak and communicate clearly in different platforms, whether personal or professional, with absolute ease.